Published 6:12 pm, Sunday, November 20, 2011

Matt Withrow comes from a family full of baseball players, but to the Midland Christian pitcher, signing early with Texas Tech is still a special accomplishment.

“It’s definitely a gift,” Withrow said. “I had to work to get there — it’s a big step up.”

Withrow was one of seven seniors to sign early with the Red Raiders, five of which were pitchers.

But Midland Christian coach Mike Munguia believes Withrow is special and has the tools to be successful at the next level.

“It’s in his genes,” Munguia said. “They did it right growing up — they played the game a ton.”

Withrow’s been playing the game since tee ball as a 5-year-old and now is continuing a string of family success beyond the high school level.

His father, Mike, played at the University of Texas before being drafted by the Chicago White Sox. His brother Chris, was a first-round pick out of high school by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his brother Steve, is a freshman outfielder at Midland College.

Now, Matt, who earned TAPPS 1-4A first team all-district honors as a junior, is ready to carve out his own path for success, starting with his senior season at Midland Christian, where he is excited to follow up his 3-1 record as a junior with his college decision out of the way.

“I’m just hoping to be a leader for my team and help out and make it far in the playoffs,” Matt said.

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Jordan Mason can be reached at jmason@mrt.com.

Matt Withrow

College: Texas Tech

HIgh School: Midland Christian

Sport: Baseball

On why he signed with Tech: “I just felt comfortable over there, and I liked the coach. I feel like we have a chance to be really good in the next couple of years.”

Coach on player: “I’m excited for him and, more than anything, excited for him to progress in his education and play at the next level.” — MCS coach Mike Munguia

Notes: Withrow was a first-team all-district selection in TAPPS 1-4A as a junior. Withrow, a right-handed pitcher, went 3-1 in 2011 with 31 strikeouts in 25 innings and batted .333 with six home runs.